Mexico 2-0 Ecuador — World Cup: Recap, Highlights & Reactions

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Ecuador arrived in Mexico City completely immune to the terrifying altitude.

Most visitors suffocate at 2,200 meters, but Mexico bypassed the physical battle entirely to blow Ecuador away with a historic first-half masterclass.

and struck before the thin air could even take effect, putting Mexico 2-0 up within 31 minutes. Ecuador fought back and hit the post through John Yeboah, but El Tri's defensive block held firm. Under , Mexico prioritized compact defensive structure to stifle Ecuador's vertical speed. The match ended in bizarre drama when Ecuador's Piero Hincapié was sent off for covering his mouth during a late confrontation. Now, a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash with either England or Congo DR awaits.

— and get this

Mexico became the first Concacaf nation to ever eliminate a CONMEBOL team in a World Cup knockout match.

At 17 years and 259 days, Gilberto Mora became the second-youngest player to start a World Cup knockout match, behind only Pelé.

became the oldest Mexican player to score in a World Cup (35 years, 56 days), moving to second on El Tri's all-time scoring list.

Piero Hincapié was sent off in stoppage time for violating a new FIFA rule against covering your mouth while speaking to opponents.